STORY: ::January 8, 2025

::Los Angeles, California

::LA mayor says Biden has promised

full federal support for wildfire relief

Karen Bass/Mayor of Los Angeles

“I know the world is looking at images of our city’s devastation. I have seen the front lines of the Palisades fire and it is staggering.”

“I spoke with President Biden today and (California) Governor (Gavin) Newsom earlier today, and they assured me a full federal and state support. As we head into tonight, we are still facing strong and erratic winds. In Palisades and in Sylmar, we are very much in an active firefight. I can report to you that the Woodley Fire, however, in the Sepulveda Basin is under control. I can also report that finally air operations have resumed and that is a big deal. But it is up to the winds as to how long the air support can continue.”

Kristin Crowley/Los Angeles Fire Department Chief

“The Palisades fire continues to demand significant local, regional, state and federal resources. Currently, the fire is over 15,800 acres and is growing with 1,792 personnel who are currently assigned. And as we know, I want to be very, very clear that this incident is very, very dynamic as we speak.”

During the press briefing, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said the “incident is very, very dynamic.”

Wildfires continued to rage around Los Angeles, claiming at least five lives, destroying hundreds of homes, and pushing firefighting resources and water supplies to their limits. Over 100,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, with most of the fires reported as 0% contained by state officials.